Townsville youth crime: Friendly Grocer in Oonoonba ramraided by kids twice in months

A beloved family-run grocer has been left shattered after youths ramraided the shop for the second time in just three months, causing $20,000 in damage but stealing a measly $50 worth of cigarette papers and lighters. WATCH THE CCTV.

A beloved family-run grocer in Oonoonba has been left shattered after a group of youths allegedly ramraided the shop for the second time in just three months, causing $20,000 in damage but stealing a measly $50 worth of cigarette papers and lighters.

The Friendly Grocer, run by Linda and Gary Leong, has been in the family for over 50 years and is once again facing the difficult task of rebuilding after a ram raid.

Their business was once again the target of reckless thieves at 3.32am on Wednesday, March 12.

CCTV footage shows a stolen grey Mitsubishi Pajero smashing through the newly installed automated glass doors before a group of young offenders rush inside to ransack the store.

Police said the Pajero was reportedly stolen from a home on Supplejack Ct, Mount Low earlier that morning.

Friendly Grocer owner Gary Leong at the front of his damaged store after it was ram raided again by young car thieves on March 12, 2025. Picture: Natasha Emeck

For Mr Leong, the incident is heartbreakingly familiar.

On November 26 last year, another group of youths ramraided his family’s store, leaving a $50,000 damage bill.

The business had just been finishing up the final touches of their new shopfront before thieves struck again this week, this time leaving behind about $20,000 in damages.

“It’s devastating, you know, economically,” Mr Leong said.

“If we have a bad week, it just compounds. Paying rates, electricity — it was back to school not long ago so we’re in a bit of a quiet period, and now this. It doesn’t make it any easier.”

CCTV showing youths stealing cigarette papers and lighters from the Friendly Grocer during a ram raid at 3.32am on March 12, 2025.

He said the youths didn’t get away with much except a handful of cigarette lighters and papers.

Similarly in November all that was taken was a bottle of soft drink and a couple of lighters.

“They’ve taken some lighters again,” Mr Leong said.

“That’s why I’m thinking it might be a similar crowd — they’re stealing the same things. But there’s a couple of new-looking accomplices this time. They’re training up younger ones to do the same thing because they know they’re not going to get in trouble.”

CCTV showing youths stealing cigarette papers and lighters from the Friendly Grocer during a ram raid at 3.32am on March 12, 2025.

Mr Leong believes more needs to be done to address the root causes of youth crime in Townsville.

“If you look at these kids, they don’t understand consequences,” he said.

“They live in their own world. They have their own networks, it’s like a subculture.”

Damage left after a ram raid at the Friendly Grocer in Oonoonba at 3.34am on November 26. Picture: Natasha Emeck

The stolen Pajero was seen driving around in convoy on Wednesday with a blue Ford Raptor dual cab stolen from a home along Warbler Cres, Douglas around 2.30am the same day.

The Raptor was later intercepted by police and three were taken into custody. The Pajero has also recently been located.

Two fourteen year old boys, one from Railway Estate and one from Vincent, as well as a 15-year-old Kelso boy were charged with multiple counts of unlawful use, enter premises, and related offences.

Two adults, an 18-year-old and 21-year-old, both from Condon were also charged with unlawful use and stealing in relation to a burglary at Nettleon Street in Mount Louisa where a Toyota Land Cruiser was allegedly stolen.

Originally published as Townsville youth crime: Friendly Grocer in Oonoonba ramraided by kids twice in months